Louis and Ben take on the Venice Marathon

Each year we are lucky enough to have hundreds of incredible individuals take to the streets and run in support of Penny Brohn UK. In October 2024, Louis and Ben took Penny Brohn UK international by running the Venice Marathon!

Louis sat down and shared what the experience was like for them taking on the 26.2 mile run and why it was important for them to support Penny Brohn UK in this way.

“The Venice Marathon is an incredible event that takes runners through the picturesque streets and iconic canals of Venice. It’s not just a race, but a celebration of resilience and community spirit.

I personally chose to support Penny Brohn UK because of its pioneering holistic approach to cancer management. As a medical student, I’ve come across Penny Brohn’s work multiple times, and it’s consistently spoken of with the highest regard. The charity’s integrated care model provides a refreshing, positive perspective that goes beyond the traditional biomedical approach, offering truly comprehensive support for patients.

Training for the marathon was both challenging and rewarding. Balancing training with my medical studies required a lot of personal discipline, but it was also a fantastic way to clear my mind and stay active. Each run brought its own set of lessons – whether it was about pacing myself, staying consistent, or simply appreciating the process.

One of the highlights from training was completing my first 20-mile run in the beautiful Peak District. It felt like a breakthrough moment, proving to myself that I could push through the mental and physical ‘wall’.

I would wholeheartedly encourage anyone thinking about running a marathon in support of Penny Brohn UK to just go for it! Supporting the charity means contributing to a cause that makes a genuine difference in people’s lives. The sense of purpose you feel, combined with the personal achievement of completing a challenge, is unparalleled. Plus, the charity is very supportive of its fundraisers, making the journey even more fulfilling.”

We’d like to thank Louis for sharing their experience. The words used are preferred by Louis. Penny Brohn UK encourages everyone to use their own words to tell their story. If you have any questions about any of the language used, please email comms@pennybrohn.org.uk.